Pro MMA Now » Dana Whitehttp://prommanow.com
MMA, UFC and WWE news and informationTue, 31 Mar 2015 17:37:54 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.9.3UFC 189 Embedded Episode 5: The Trash Talk Kingshttp://prommanow.com/2015/03/26/ufc-189-embedded-episode-5-the-trash-talk-kings/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/26/ufc-189-embedded-episode-5-the-trash-talk-kings/#commentsThu, 26 Mar 2015 20:08:57 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138851The UFC 189 World Tour continues with UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and challenger Conor McGregor. The two fighters arrive in Los Angeles for the promotion of their fight and visit some of the more popular radio shows in the city. McGregor gets the UFC featherweight belt from an assistant and takes pictures with it and then taunts Aldo who is waiting in the next room. However, Aldo isn't to be outdone as he mocks McGregor and says the he reminds him of "Shaggy" from the cartoon Scooby Doo. Check out episode 5 in the player below
]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/26/ufc-189-embedded-episode-5-the-trash-talk-kings/feed/0Lesnar is finished with MMA, signs with WWE againhttp://prommanow.com/2015/03/25/lesnar-is-finished-with-mma-signs-with-wwe-again/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/25/lesnar-is-finished-with-mma-signs-with-wwe-again/#commentsWed, 25 Mar 2015 12:41:12 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138813

Brock Lesnar is done with MMA and here is the video and a decent transcription summary of what he had to say on ESPN.

http://youtu.be/qZTm51RZfbs

"I have to say, first of all, thanks for having me. And that it was a very hard decision for me. I'm at a stage in my career where I want to... it was just hard, it was hard for me. And it's hard to talk about it. The fighter inside of me wants to compete; the father, the husband... you know, I'm an older caveman now so I make wiser caveman decisions. So I'm here to say that my legacy in the Octagon is over. However, my legacy this Sunday at WrestleMania will not be my last. It will not be my last. I'm hanging up all thoughts... and that's why I wanted to come here, I wanted it to be out of my mouth. I wanted people to hear me. It was a hard decision to make. It took me a year. I thought about this for a year. At the end of the day it's all about me wanting to have fun. The money is great but the lifestyle... for me to get back in the Octagon, and for the last two months I've been training to get back into the Octagon, and felt physically great. But something lacked mentally. And that's not good."

"Absolutely, I talked with Dana (White), I talked with Lorenzo (Fertitta), I talked with Vince McMahon, I talked to my wife, I talked to my friends. I had many sleepless nights on what to do. At the end of the day it weighed heavyily on my heart that I was born to be an entertainer and I have fun doing it. I could go back to the Octagon and what am I going to gain? I was the UFC heavyweight champion of the world. Due to my illness my career got cut short, and that's god telling you 'hey, it's time to move on.' And maybe it's a bump in the road for me but as the years went by it wore on my so much that the fighter inside of me didn't want it to end that way, I didn't want it to be that way. I didn't want to leave the UFC on a losing streak. That's just the competitive guy inside of me."

"I'm officially closing the door on MMA, yes. And it was hard, it's hard. I re-signed last night with the WWE. We're pretty good at keeping secrets now, even in today's age of technology. But we came to a conclusion last night. The offer on the table I just could not refuse. I think it's fair to the fans (to find this out before WrestleMania). It was my decision. I wanted to be fair to the fans to know that on Sunday at WrestleMania, I'm going home with that damn belt. It's fair. It was public knowledge and it was out there that 'what is Brock going to do?' I went to the (Ronda) Rousey fight just to experience, to have that feeling of... it wasn't a contractual move or a bartering pitch of any kind. For me, I just wanted to feel that energy. It just so happened that it was Ronda Rousey. If it would have been anybody I would have went to the fight."

"No (Dana White didn't have any words for me on the decision), absolutely not. You can't force somebody to get into the cage and fight. That's not the business. And that's where I was. Was my heart and my head really into it? What are the reasons why I want to go in there? Because I don't like the way it ended? Or really what is it? And at the end of the day I'm happy, I'm really happy where I'm at with the WWE."

]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/25/lesnar-is-finished-with-mma-signs-with-wwe-again/feed/0UFC 189 Embedded Episode 2: Aldo’s a pool shark, McGregor eats like a kinghttp://prommanow.com/2015/03/23/ufc-189-embedded-episode-2-aldos-a-pool-shark-mcgregor-eats-like-a-king/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/23/ufc-189-embedded-episode-2-aldos-a-pool-shark-mcgregor-eats-like-a-king/#commentsTue, 24 Mar 2015 01:34:26 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138787The second episode of UFC 189 Embedded has been released and I can already tell the hype for this fight will become greater and greater as we get closer to the showdown. The challenger Conor McGregor can carry the show by himself, but a quiet and humble champion creates a great contrast between the two fighters. In this episode, Aldo and McGregor both check into their hotels as they relax from the grind of their media takeover tour to promote their fight. Aldo plays ping pong and shoots a game of pool while McGregor eats like a king and watches some of the UFC Fight Night 62 bouts that took place on Saturday night in Brazil. Check out the footage below:
]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/23/ufc-189-embedded-episode-2-aldos-a-pool-shark-mcgregor-eats-like-a-king/feed/1UFC 189 Embedded Episode 1: Conor McGregor takes over Brazilhttp://prommanow.com/2015/03/23/ufc-189-embedded-episode-1-conor-mcgregor-takes-over-brazil/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/23/ufc-189-embedded-episode-1-conor-mcgregor-takes-over-brazil/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 14:56:38 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138777The UFC 189 World Championship Tour has begun and UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo and challenger Conor McGregor have already started laying the ground work for a heavily anticipated fight that will take place in July. McGregor and Aldo began the tour in Aldo's home country of Brazil where McGregor visited a local pub and got the crowd going after insulting Aldo at the press conference. Check out the footage of the first episode of UFC 189 Embedded in the player below:
]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/23/ufc-189-embedded-episode-1-conor-mcgregor-takes-over-brazil/feed/0Dana White picks Pacquiao vs. Mayweather (VIDEO)http://prommanow.com/2015/03/11/dana-white-picks-pacquiao-vs-mayweather-video/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/11/dana-white-picks-pacquiao-vs-mayweather-video/#commentsThu, 12 Mar 2015 03:27:13 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138501

In case you live in a cave Floyd Mayweather Jr. is fighting Manny Pacquiao. It's no secret that UFC president Dana White loves him some boxing. Check out who he says is going to win in this video.

When they announced that one of my favorite wrestlers signed with the UFC I was very skeptical. The last thing I wanted was to see my favorite WWE performer face down on the canvas. It was like watching my friend Rich Franklin fight Cung Le or Anderson Silva. I was sick to my stomach, disappointed, and of course I felt very down about what it did to his career. CM Punk may not go that route and I would like to publicly apologize for doubting him after seeing how hard he works.
Punk is a true athlete and he looks the part at all times. His work ethic, drive, and eternal quest to be the #1 guy is now, and will carry him through to a winning record. I think even Phil Brooks aka CM Punk will tell you he is under no illusions he will be UFC champion, but I can tell you he is determined to prove his detractors wrong. I was one of them and it was a mistake.

Brooks is training with guys who have his best interests in mind and it shows. His sparring sessions have reportedly been outstanding and he has even convinced great fighters that he can be great himself. A hard sell since he just rolled in from WWE without any hesitation despite having no prior experience in cage fighting. That confidence alone should scare the hell out of his opponents.
CM Punk has a high threshold for pain reportedly and his work in WWE may well be proof of that. Rumors of concussions, botched moves he has been on the receiving end of that would have killed a guy like me, but he pushed through. I think if he loses it will be by decision or submission. I definitely do not think he will be lying flat on his back admiring the lights. It's MMA and anything is possible in the UFC with the skill sets of some of their fighters. Punk will be fine.
In closing, I doubted Phil Brooks and I admit when I was wrong. Even if he should lose he will at least have proven along the way that he is the athlete Dana said he was. Just because he does not have Lesnar's pedigree outside of pro wrestling does not mean he doesn't have the skills to pay the bills.
And hey...he's married to AJ Lee. Instant win. Phil Brooks you win, sir. You win. Even though you blocked me on Twitter because I doubted you..you win.]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/04/a-public-apology-to-cm-punk/feed/0UFC 184: Dana White talks what’s next for Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, Josh Koscheck, and Brock Lesnarhttp://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/ufc-184-dana-white-talks-whats-next-for-ronda-rousey-holly-holm-josh-koscheck-and-brock-lesnar/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/ufc-184-dana-white-talks-whats-next-for-ronda-rousey-holly-holm-josh-koscheck-and-brock-lesnar/#commentsSun, 01 Mar 2015 14:56:19 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138310UFC President Dana White spoke with Ariel Helwani post-fight UFC 184 and gave his thoughts on the event. He spoke on the main event between Ronda Rousey and Cat Zingano, his respect for Zingano and who is next for Rousey. He also spoke on Holly Holms making her UFC debut as the co-main event. He thought she performed well for her first fight, but clearly needs more work before being ready to face Rousey. Lastly, White spoke on Brock Lesnar and Josh Koscheck who lost his fourth fight in a row on Saturday night. He said it would be up to Koscheck if he wanted to fulfill the final fight on his UFC contract. Check out all his responses in the video below:
]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/ufc-184-dana-white-talks-whats-next-for-ronda-rousey-holly-holm-josh-koscheck-and-brock-lesnar/feed/0FOX Sports 1 UFC 184 Post-Fight Show Quotes – 2/28/15http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/fox-sports-1-ufc-184-post-fight-show-quotes-22815/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/fox-sports-1-ufc-184-post-fight-show-quotes-22815/#commentsSun, 01 Mar 2015 14:43:40 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138308

UFC ON FOX analyst Kenny Florian on Ronda Rousey vs. Cat Zingano: “Almost as certain as death and taxes, the Ronda Rousey armbar. Ronda just tucked Zingano’s arm under her arm and decided to take it home with her. That was the end. Zingano should have given up the position and given up her back. She hesitated and was stuck between moves. You can start fast and not start that way. It was a big failure in the strategy. There’s a difference between good and great. Ronda is great.”

UFC ON FOX analyst Miesha Tate on Rousey’s quick finish: “It’s hard to put it into words when that happens. Cat tried to come out with a fast start and she made a huge mistake. You can’t leave an arm extended with Ronda Rousey on the ground. I’m not only impressed, but I’m inspired. I realize she’s on a different level and I want to get on that level.”

Ronda Rousey on if she was surprised that Zingano rushed in: “I could see why she wanted to do that. So many people have said she’s a slow starter. When we were falling, she fell into me. I went into judo mode and didn’t want to let my back touch the ground and it helped the transition. It put me in a great position. I’ve never done that kind of armbar before. I did practice it, but just not like that. I practiced it face up, not face down like that.”

Rousey on if she even feels tired after such a quick fight: “Yes. It’s the waiting, preparation, the stress and anxiety that takes it out of you. I’m exhausted.”

Rousey on if she wants her fights to last longer: “Not really. I like the quick fights. The longer the matches are, the shorter my career will be. I like them being short because I want to do this as long as possible.”

Rousey on if she felt bad for Zingano after all she’s overcome: “Yeah, I sat down in front of her afterwards and said ‘I’m happy to do this again sometime.’ It’s hard to feel like you really tested yourself when something like that happens. I think it’d be very different the next time, like when me and Miesha Tate fought again.”

Rousey on who she wants to fight next: “I was really impressed with Holly Holm tonight. She’s a world champ boxer and I want to see how I stand against some of that caliber. And she showed good take down defense. There’s also some history with Bethe Correia.”

Tate on who should fight Rousey next: “Bethe hasn’t fought anyone in top ten yet. I’d like to test her and be the deciding factor. Some have deemed me the gatekeeper, but I’d love to take that zero off her record.”

UFC ON FOX analyst Daniel Cormier on Raquel Pennington vs. Holly Holm: “It’s been a long time coming. It seemed like Holly seemed to have a lot of nervous energy at the beginning of the fight. She never stopped moving in the fight.”

Holly Holm on winning her first fight in the UFC: “I look back, is it the finish or the win I wanted? No, I wanted to win in spectacular fashion, but she’s a tough girl and she’s never been stopped. I didn’t want to come in with all that pressure. This was a learning experience. The first one is over with and I’m heading back to the gym to get better.”

Holm on her performance: “I was trying to stay in a lower stance. I didn’t let my kicks go like I wanted to. The punches were there, but I didn’t step down on them. I felt fine in the clinch and defending the takedown. I’ve never had anyone shoot that much against me in a fight. There’re a lot of things I want to do better. I was standing tall and you don’t do that. I want to stay low following a combo. But I’m not going to complain. I never feel 100 percent satisfied after a fight, but I’m really excited it’s done and I’m happy. I feel like I was a little too cautious instead of diving in on the shots.”

UFC President Dana White on if Zingano had a good plan to fight against Rousey:“You’ve got to have some kind of plan against her. She gets you and she gets you out of there fast. I thought, what do I do with his girl?”

White on what he thinks about Zingano: “I like Cat a lot. I’ve got a lot of respect for her. I did a lot of things to try to motivate her and get her back in the UFC in the right state of mind. Tonight she went against the baddest female in the world.”

White on who will fight Rousey next: “Everyone wants to fight Ronda, but I don’t know. Ronda’s going to go make a movie and then come back and fight again.”

White on Holly Holm’s performance: “Holly performed well for her first time and being in the co-main event.”

White on Brock Lesnar being at the fight: “He’s a fan of fights. He wanted to come watch the fights. When his contract is up with the WWE, he can come talk to me.”

]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/fox-sports-1-ufc-184-post-fight-show-quotes-22815/feed/0PHOTO: Lesnar at UFC 184 with Dana, bystanders hear “return”http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/photo-lesnar-at-ufc-184-with-dana-bystanders-hear-return/
http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/photo-lesnar-at-ufc-184-with-dana-bystanders-hear-return/#commentsSun, 01 Mar 2015 14:03:25 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138305So with all of the rumors surrounding Brock Lesnar's future it looks like his arrival in the UFC may be imminent if you ask the people sitting close to Dana and Brock last night at UFC 184 when they were having their conversations. MMA Crazy posted this photo on Twitter capturing Brock and Dana talking. Is he returning? Only time will tell, but 5 sources say that conversation dominated the night between the two.

]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/03/01/photo-lesnar-at-ufc-184-with-dana-bystanders-hear-return/feed/2Invicta FC 11 results: Cris Cyborg destroys Charmaine Tweet in 46 secondshttp://prommanow.com/2015/02/28/invicta-fc-11-results-cris-cyborg-destroys-charmaine-tweet-in-46-seconds/
http://prommanow.com/2015/02/28/invicta-fc-11-results-cris-cyborg-destroys-charmaine-tweet-in-46-seconds/#commentsSat, 28 Feb 2015 13:31:31 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=138257[caption id="attachment_48366" align="alignright" width="269"] Invicta women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg[/caption]
Invicta FC women's featherweight champion Cris Cyborg defended her title against Charmaine Tweet on Friday night in Los Angeles, starching Tweet via TKO in 46 seconds. The fight was all Cyborg as she landed a huge overhand right early that put Tweet on her bicycle before dropping her with a huge bomb later.
Referee Herb Dean called a stopped to the fight with Tweet on her feet taking damage while offering nothing in return. Cyborg improves to (13-1, 1NC) while Tweet drops to (6-5). UFC President Dana White was in attendance to watch the fight, and clearly the pressure will continue to build for him to bring Cyborg to the UFC after passing several drug tests while giving an outstanding performance.
The full Invicta FC 11 fight results are below:

]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/02/28/invicta-fc-11-results-cris-cyborg-destroys-charmaine-tweet-in-46-seconds/feed/0UFC press conference on PEDs with Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta: Live stream and notes 1 p.m. EThttp://prommanow.com/2015/02/18/ufc-press-conference-on-peds-with-dana-white-and-lorenzo-fertitta-live-stream-and-notes-1-p-m-et/
http://prommanow.com/2015/02/18/ufc-press-conference-on-peds-with-dana-white-and-lorenzo-fertitta-live-stream-and-notes-1-p-m-et/#commentsWed, 18 Feb 2015 18:03:31 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=137901
UFC President Dana White, along with CEO Lorenzo Fertitta, will be holding a press conference today (Wednesday, Feb. 18) from Red Rock Casino Resort in Las Vegas. A live stream of the proceedings is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT - local Vegas time).
The promotion is expected to address the recent rash of positive PED (performance enhancing drugs) tests among its fighters and how it plans to deal with the issue moving forward. Will they institute a new stricter drug-testing program? Stiffer penalties for those who fail drug tests? Stay tuned.
Interestingly enough, there's no mention of this event on the UFC.com homepage at the moment, although UFC.tv has a stream scheduled.
PMN will provide live updates from the proceedings.
NOTES:

Fertitta opens the presser with the event agenda and says they are disappointed in the results of recent drug tests but it's a result of their new stricter testing methods. Talks about the UFC's history of MMA regulation efforts and their track record of making the sport safer. They realize the need to beef up the testing program and these issues are dealt with in all sports.

White speaks next. Recounts the particulars of Jon Jones' positive cocaine test and explains the difference between out-of-competition testing and in-competition, and why Jones' penalty of $25,000 is not stiffer. White says the money was donated to charity.

Next White speaks on Anderson Silva's failed drug tests and emphasizes they nor the NSAC would allow Silva to fight if they had known he was on steroids, making the point the results of the test were not received until after his fight with Nick Diaz. White also announces Robbie Lawler vs. Rory MacDonald for July 11th.

Fertitta explains their plans for PED testing moving forward. UFC will advocate commissions test every fighter on a card on fight night, and will help with costs if need be. In addition, UFC will now do "comprehensive out of competition random PED testing" for all fighters, effective 7/1. Fertitta is also advocating for stricter penalties for failed tests and insists, "If you are using PEDs, you will be caught."

UFC will have to adjust the legal framework of their contracts with fighters to help enforce suspensions and penalties for out-of-competition testing.

First time offenders could be suspended for 2-4 years. The current penalties are not enough to deter the athletes. "The proof is in the pudding," says Fertitta. UFC will have to hire a third party to handle the out-of-competition testing.

Anderson Silva's future uncertain until NSAC penalty is levied.

Because WADA is worldwide, UFC COO Lawrence Epstein feels confident they can implement international out-of-competition testing. Fertitta says it will probably get worse before it gets better. "If you are using PEDs, you're going to get caught," says White.

Epstein says they are looking to other pro sports leagues and how they deal with PED testing. White emphasizes MMA is more dangerous than other sports when it comes to PED use. "If you can't perform with your natural ability, you don't belong here," says White.

"Not doing anything is not an option," says Fertitta.

Fertitta wants a minimum 2 year suspension for PED use.

What happened with Cung Le is not what they are talking about here today. They want to hire a third party worldwide organization such as WADA to implement the random out of competition testing.

Fertitta says there hasn't been any "drastic" reactions from sponsors after the slew of positive tests. But they also know they have to "get out in front of it" and meet the issue "head on".

We're sitting here today because there has been out of competition testing over the last couple years and we realize there is a problem says Fertitta. July 1st is the target date to have new procedures in place. Response has been positive from the fighters, according to Fertitta.

THOUGHTS:
I'm actually pleasantly surprised. This is what is needed to clean up the sport. It's going to be very expensive for the UFC, but in the long run it will pay off, not just for the company but for MMA as a whole. If anyone can pull this off, it is the UFC. They took an outlawed fringe sport and helped it get regulated across the U.S. and world. If MMA is to thrive and grow, this is a necessary growing pain. How many more superstars are going to fall in the process though?
And could these changes usher in the return of GSP?
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[ads2]]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/02/18/ufc-press-conference-on-peds-with-dana-white-and-lorenzo-fertitta-live-stream-and-notes-1-p-m-et/feed/0FOX Sports LIVE UFC Fight Night Post-fight Quotes – 2/14/15http://prommanow.com/2015/02/15/fox-sports-live-ufc-fight-night-post-fight-quotes-21415/
http://prommanow.com/2015/02/15/fox-sports-live-ufc-fight-night-post-fight-quotes-21415/#commentsMon, 16 Feb 2015 03:49:56 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=137835

The following quotes and video links are from tonight’s FOX SPORTS LIVE UFC FIGHT NIGHT: HENDERSON VS. THATCH postfightcoverage on FOX SPORTS 1. The show washosted by Karyn Bryant, with Dominick Cruz and Michael Bisping as analysts.

UFC on FOX analyst Dominick Cruz on Brandon Thatch beating Benson Henderson:“The tale of this fight was Benson’s patience. He knew he had to wait to let Thatch wear himself out. He needed to get some takedowns and wore out Thatch. It was beautiful. By making Thatch chase him around the cage, Henderson forced Thatch to overcommit to his punches and that opened up the opportunities he needed.”

UFC on FOX analyst Michael Bisping on how Henderson beat Thatch: “He showed why you have to be a well-rounded mixed martial artist. Henderson circled away every time Thatch got him against the fence. This was an incredible performance by Henderson. He fought a very smart game. Thatch didn’t cut the cage off. He was only throwing single shots.”

Benson Henderson on fighting a big welterweight in Brandon Thatch: “I was a little bit worried in the first round and second rounds, his coaches said to go to my chest. He landed a jab to my chest and it almost caved it in. I thought - This dude’s pretty strong, I better stay on my horses.”

Henderson on his strategy to win the fight: “I wanted to stay away from his strengths and wear him down a little bit. I always like my chances in the fourth and fifth rounds.”

Dana White on Henderson’s victory: “I’m so blown away with Benson Henderson. This size difference was insane. Henderson picked him apart from the first round. What’s crazy coming out of the third round, both of Thatch’s eyes were closing. But Benson didn’t even look like he was in a fight. He’s so tough and so talented, I’m so impressed.”

White on Henderson fighting Rory Macdonald: “After what he did tonight, who can deny him at 170 pounds?”

UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and President Dana White will hold a press conference on Feb. 18 in Las Vegas. UFC Tonight reported the news on Wednesday. This is something our site has called for in the past. We as fans deserve better policing, more transparency, and a clear sign that the UFC is doing something to protect the sport we love.

Light heavyweight champion Jon Jones tested positive for cocaine during an out-of-competition drug test before UFC 182. Former middleweight champion Anderson Silva tested positive for not one, but two steroids on a Jan. 9 out-of-competition test before UFC 183. His opponent Nick Diaz. Diaz failed both a pre and post-fight test for his drug of choice, marijuana. Welterweight Hector Lombard popped for some kind of designer steroid following his UFC 182 win.

Silva, Diaz and Lombard are to appear before the Nevada State Athletic Commission to face disciplinary actions the day before the press conference. Obviously this is to shape the press conference's content and tone depending on the outcome. The fighters will likely be fined and suspended. Ashlee Evans-Smith also faces disciplinary action at the Feb. 17 NSAC meeting for failing her UFC 181 post-fight drug test. The culprit for Evans - diuretics.

The UFC completely abandoned their plan to implement out-of-competition drug tests earlier this year after retired MMA fighter Cung Le fought a positive test for HGH after he lost to Michael Bisping. This caused his suspension rescinded. After the debacle Dana White made it clear they were done with testing.

We’ve got no business handling the regulation.

ProMMANow.com has not received the date and time for the press conference, or the location. Check back soon and often for updates.

Cung Le has officially retired from fighting in mixed martial arts competitions. He will continue to fight in striking only sporting events and will pursue his acting career.

He released the following statement to the shock of his fans via MMAJunkie.

After several months of thought and discussion with my wife and family we realize our future includes many things, but active competition in mixed martial arts is no longer one of them therefore I am officially announcing my retirement from active competition. Fighting will never be far from my heart and martial arts will always continue to be a part of my daily life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the career that I have been blessed with due in large part to all my fans and the many people who have helped me on my journey.

I’d like to recognize the UFC for the opportunity they have provided me, the sport of mixed martial arts, and more importantly the fans who love it, you will never be far from my heart. It has truly been my honor and my privilege to entertain you.

Last Summer the UFC reported that Le had tested positive for banned substances and he was suspended him for nine months. The suspension was later raised to a whopping twelve months. The bout he was tested at was held in Macau where there is no regulation of the sport, so the UFC itself was regulating. The blood test that reportedly showed positive was done during the final week before the fight, when images surfaced on social networks of Le looking ridiculously ripped. Because of the short period of time, no WADA accredited lab was available and this the results of the test were brought in to question. The UFC eventually withdrew the suspension and because of what it did to his reputation, Le asked to be released.

Le then joined Jon Fitch and Nate Quarry in a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit against the UFC, stating that the UFC was an MMA monopoly. Despite this, ZUFFA CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC president Dana White offered up some very kind words to Le via the UFC website.

Lorenzo Fertitta:

Cung Le was a great ambassador of the sport for us in Asia and one of the most exciting middleweights to step foot in the Octagon. We wish him well in his retirement and future endeavors.

Dana White:

Cung Le was awesome and would take any fight. He was such a huge piece of the success of The Ultimate Fighter China. I loved working with him and wish him well in the future.

ProMMANow wishes our friend Cung Le the best in his future endeavors.

]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/01/21/cung-le-calls-it-quits-in-mma-retires/feed/1UFC champion Jon Jones talks about testing positive for Cocainehttp://prommanow.com/2015/01/19/ufc-champion-jon-jones-talks-about-testing-positive-for-cocaine/
http://prommanow.com/2015/01/19/ufc-champion-jon-jones-talks-about-testing-positive-for-cocaine/#commentsTue, 20 Jan 2015 05:41:27 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=137155UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones won the biggest fight of his MMA career at UFC 182 against Daniel Cormier. However, he has been on a hiatus since the win due to public knowledge that he tested positive for cocaine. Jones spoke with Charissa Thompson about his drug use, how long it has been going on, his rehab stint, and how the last few weeks have affected him and his family.
Jones indicated that he first used cocaine in his college years a few times, but that he isn't a cocaine addict. Also, that denied ever using performance enhancing drugs at any point.
Check out the full interview below:
]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/01/19/ufc-champion-jon-jones-talks-about-testing-positive-for-cocaine/feed/1FOX Sports 1 LIVE UFC Fight Night Post-Fight Quotes – 1/18/15http://prommanow.com/2015/01/19/fox-sports-1-live-ufc-fight-night-post-fight-quotes-11815/
http://prommanow.com/2015/01/19/fox-sports-1-live-ufc-fight-night-post-fight-quotes-11815/#commentsMon, 19 Jan 2015 14:20:39 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=137120

The following quotes and video links are from tonight’s FOX SPORTS LIVE UFC FIGHT NIGHT: MCGREGOR VS. SIVER postfightcoverage on FOX SPORTS 1. The show washosted by Jon Anik, with Daniel Cormier, Frankie Edgar and Gilbert Melendez as analysts.

UFC on FOX analyst Frankie Edgar on Conor McGregor beating Dennis Siver: “Siver just broke my heart, but McGregor looked sharp. Conor’s bringing excitement to the division. All of us need to thank him. I don’t want to thank him for taking my title shot, but he’s earned it.”

UFC on FOX analyst Daniel Cormier on McGregor’s victory: “McGregor did what he said he was going to do: he beat a tough veteran and he backed up his words. He was patient. He was landing the straight left hand and doing damage.”

UFC on FOX analyst Gilbert Melendez on what McGregor did to win the fight: “He used his reach to his advantage. He kept the distance the whole time. He had a variety of attacks and kept him guessing.”

Cormier on McGregor vs. Aldo: “If there’s a good match-up, this is two stand-up guys. Aldo’s not going to try to take him down over and over. These two are very high level, confident strikers.”

Edgar on what McGregor needs to work on before fighting Jose Aldo: “It’s tough to say. Aldo is a different animal. He has the speed and the length. But McGregor was able to get up quickly after taken down. Now we know about that.”

McGregor on not finishing Siver in two minutes: “With the amount of media I was doing, I got mixed up. I meant two rounds, not two minutes.”

McGregor on what he said to Jose Aldo: “Who are you calling a joke? I would have smacked him. I would have. But after Jones and Cormier got fined for their thing, I’m not giving away my money smacking him. I’ll save it for the Octagon.”

McGregor on where he’ll fight Jose Aldo: “I keep hearing Vegas. I’ll give it one last push for Ireland. Vegas is Vegas. I’ll get the belt. The vision’s a little off, but we’re doing the stadium sometime. I feel like I’ll break him. He looks small. He has the same body type as Diego Brandao. He feels small. Jose will be the same. He knows I’m coming for him. When the time comes I will shut him down.”

Melendez on Donald Cerrone vs. Benson Henderson: “It was a very tactical fight. Henderson was back to his old ways, scoring points. It was close fight. I gave it to Henderson. They [the judges] gave it to the Cowboy.

Edgar on Cerrone beating Henderson: “It looked like a Benson fight - a point fight. I agree with DC, why didn’t Henderson go for takedowns? When you fight close fights, you live by the sword and you die by the sword.”

Donald Cerrone on his victory vs. Benson Henderson “This is a hard victory for me to celebrate. I could tell we’re both very timid in there. It sucks. I’m friends with him. I love the dude, we grew up together. I needed to prepare for him and I didn’t. I need a better training camp for him.”

Cerrone on if he’ll take another fight in the next week: “I feel great. I’d take a fight again in Colorado. I wouldn’t go to Sweden. I’m the American Cowboy.”

UFC president Dana White on what he was thinking when McGregor jumped at Aldo: “I was thinking security was keeping him from talking to his family. That’s typical McGregor. He looked phenomenal. What he did to two top 10 fighters, he’s relaxed and picks them apart.”

White on McGregor’s appeal: “There were a lot of people from Ireland here. There were a lot of Brazilians here too. I’ve said it before. He’s a huge superstar. He’s got a great gift. Boy can he fight.”

White on what Aldo thinks about McGregor: “He wants this fight so bad. We wanted to get in the Octagon to do the interview, but he’s superstitious and won’t go into it unless it’s for a fight.”

White on where Aldo vs. McGregor will take place: “We have some time to work on this. A fight in Ireland would be huge. Las Vegas makes sense, too. Memorial Day weekend would make sense. There’re a lot of obstacles to doing a huge PPV in Ireland. We could sell out a stadium.”

]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/01/19/fox-sports-1-live-ufc-fight-night-post-fight-quotes-11815/feed/0UFC Fight Night Boston Embedded: Episode 1http://prommanow.com/2015/01/14/ufc-fight-night-boston-embedded-episode-1/
http://prommanow.com/2015/01/14/ufc-fight-night-boston-embedded-episode-1/#commentsWed, 14 Jan 2015 15:19:44 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=136986The UFC Embedded series returns with the first episode featuring the UFC Fight Night Boston event will Conor McGregor will take on Dennis Siver in the main event. The footage highlights both fighters as they prepare to do battle on Sunday night. McGregor appears on ESPN to continue his promotion of the fight as a one man show, whereas, Siver arrives in Boston and finalizes his preparations for the fight. Check out all of the footage in the player below:
]]>http://prommanow.com/2015/01/14/ufc-fight-night-boston-embedded-episode-1/feed/0We agree Rory, UFC title shots are often not ‘earned’http://prommanow.com/2015/01/13/we-agree-rory-ufc-title-shots-are-often-not-earned/
http://prommanow.com/2015/01/13/we-agree-rory-ufc-title-shots-are-often-not-earned/#commentsTue, 13 Jan 2015 13:41:58 +0000http://prommanow.com/?p=136948
We agree with you Rory MacDonald. There is absolutely no way to accurately predict who gets a title shot anymore.
On the MMA Hour the Canadian MMA standout discussed what it was like to get snubbed again for the chance at the welterweight championship. For the longest time he had no chance of being the champion since his training partner GSP was sitting on top of the world at his weight class. Now, when he finally is free to challenge for it the opportunity is snatched away from him.
The UFC title shot system is a joke. Money making, fast talking Conor McGregor has convinced the world he is the #1 contender despite only having 4 fights and only 2 being notable opponents mainly because has proven he can make money and attract attention. The perfect storm for super stardom. I love Anderson Silva, but if he defeats a welterweight named Nick Diaz he gets a title shot against Chris Weidman? Sorry Jacare, Rockhold.
Rory held nothing back and he spoke his mind on being passed over to face Robbie Lawler for the trilogy finale between Lawler and Hendricks. He instead faces Hector Lombard in his next bout in a fight of #3 and #4 ranked athletes in the 170 division. The winner of this fight cannot be denied a shot at the crown - unless McGregor moves to middleweight and knocks out a can.
Here's what Rory had to say:

I was a little bit heartbroken. But it's okay. Even when I first heard the news that I was promised I was going to get the next title shot, I was skeptical. You can't always believe what you hear. Things change so often in this sport, you'd be a fool if you believed everything that came out. So I'm not surprised that it happened. But I was pretty sad about it.Honestly I didn't even ...I thought Robbie won the fight pretty clearly in my eyes. I didn't see why they would want a third fight, at all. I figured, you know, they would definitely want me to fight Robbie after that fight. So it didn't work out. It didn't work out like I thought it would.I didn't get (a reason)...They just said ‘you're not getting it.' That's it. So it was a bit of a waste of my time going [to Las Vegas], wasn't it?There's definitely some issues. But I don't have the answers for how it could change, or whatever. But yeah, I don't agree with a lot of the things that are done. But, I mean, I'm not in their shoes either, right? So it's hard for me to say.

A little bit, you know? It makes me a little bit bitter about the situation, and probably makes me think about it in a little bit of a negative light. But you know, I'm a little bit pissed off and that's how I'm dealing with it.

I don't know. Just keep watching. I have nothing to say, I don't know what to say. I just, you know, I'm just going to keep fighting. Whatever. If there's a belt there afterwards or there's not, I'm still going to go out there and f**k someone up.

Canadian bantamweight fighter “Stunning” Roland Delorme (9-4, 1 NC MMA) has received a pink slip from the UFC.

The TUF 14 competitor went an even 3-3 with 1 no-contest during his tenure with the promotion. He scored victories over Josh "Taz" Ferguson, Nick Denis and Edwin Figueroa while a part of the stacked UFC’s bantamweight division.

Delorme fought on August’s UFC Fight Night event in Macau, China. He was on the receiving end of a submission loss to Japanese mixed martial artists Yuta Sasaki.

The Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada native went to his Facebook page to announce the news:

“Well I got cut from the UFC but I ain’t worried bout nothing not like I didn’t expect it but I thought if they were gonna do it they would have by now. I wanna thank everyone who supported me And the UFC but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna stop fighting, I’ll be back in a couple wins.”

White onAnderson Silva vs. Nick Diaz: “It’s an interesting fight. After the injury, where is Anderson going to be mentally? He does the right thing and is going to be in shape, but will he throw the leg kicks the way he used to? Nick Diaz hasn’t fought in a while. So who knows, we’ll see what happens.”

White on Jon Jones checking into rehab: “Right now, all we’re concerned with is getting Jon better – getting him taken care of and getting him healed. We’ll make some decisions later.”

White on Rory MacDonald not getting the next title shot after being promised it: “It’s tough, you say a guy is next in line, but you have a war with those first two fights, and Johny [Hendricks] won one and Robbie [Lawler] the other, a trilogy makes sense. He’s now next in line after this coming fight.”

White on if teammates TJ Dillashaw and Urijah Faber will fight each other for the title:“That’s possible. Those guys have made it clear they’ll fight each other. But it’s not the plan right now.”

White on if Cain Velasquez will return and fight in Mexico City against Fabricio Werdum for the heavyweight title: “That’s the plan. As long as everything goes our way, that fight should happen.”

White on what’s next for 2015: “2015 is starting off with amazing fights. It’s the best January in the company’s history. And all these fights lead to bigger fights. If you look at the Cormier vs. Jones, then Gustafsson vs. Rumble, then the winners of those fight and that will be a great fight. You’ve got Vitor vs. Weidman, then Anderson. If Anderson wins, he can fight the winner of either Vitor or Weidman. Rousey fights Cat Zingano, then she’ll fight again in July. If Conor wins, then he fightsAldo, which is then the biggest fight ever in that division.”